Denver will be seeing its share of stars in the coming months, starting May 8 when Tony Bennett headlines the Colorado Symphony Ball. US Bank chief Hassan Salem and his wife, Sheila, are chairing the dinner event. It’ll be at the Sheraton Denver Downtown with tickets available from Jason Hurley at the CSO office, 303-308-2475.
Next up: Country/crossover sensation (five Academy of Country Music Awards, two Grammys) Lee Ann Womack. The artist perhaps best known for her 2000 country/pop chart-topper, “I Hope You Dance,” is here for the June 26 Giddy-Up Gala, which benefits The Children’s Hospital. It’ll be at Crooked Willow Farms, a 90-acre spread west of Larkspur. Triple Crown sponsorship is $50,000 and includes two VIP tables of 10 and a meet-and-greet with Womack. Find out more by visiting thechildrenshospitalfoundation.org/giddyup
On Aug. 21, Lionel Richie headlines Lulu’s Barkin’ BBQ, the benefit Fred and Jana Bartlit host every year for the Denver Dumb Friends League. It’s held in a huge tent set up on the grounds of their Castle Pines spread, and also features a chuckwagon dinner prepared by Texas barbecue chef Tom Perini. Tickets go on sale June 15; get more info by visiting lulusbbq@ddfl.org
Last but not least, late-night yakker Jay Leno is going to emcee the Children’s Hospital Gala. All we know at this point is that it’s going to be on Sept. 11. But when we know more, so will you.